Our Favourite ExperiencesThe ClassicsWhatever your ideal beach holiday, you’ll find it in NewSouth Wales. Just a 15 minute drive from Gold CoastAirport, the seemingly endless stretch of pristine,uncrowded beaches from the Tweed Coast to Kingscliff andon to Cabarita is heaven for beach lovers. Byron Bay is theultimate Aussie beach spot, or take a thrill ride on the bayat Port Stephens. On a scale of one to fabulous, you’ll find26 local beaches that are all right up there.Catch a wave at Newcastle harbour or head south toNobbys Reef and Caves Beach. The Central Coast has morethan 30 beaches to suit your style. Whether it’s swimming,surfing, fishing or just relaxing you’ll find it here. Becaptivated by pure white sand and clear blue waters ofJervis Bay on the South Coast, where walking tracks takeyou from beachfront to forests.From the beaches to rainforest-clad mountains and islandsteeming with marine life, Mother Nature turns it on in NewSouth Wales. On the Tweed Coast in the north, catch themorning’s first light from the summit in Mt WarningNational Park. Wander the forest floor or in the treetops ofthe Dorrigo National Park on the North Coast. Spot wildlifein the Barrington Tops National Park in the Hunter region,and be amazed at the scenery in the Blue Mountains. Headoutback to Mungo National Park, where the formationsknown as the Walls of China are an impressive sight.Action and AdventureChoose your own adventure as you explore New SouthWales. From water sports to rainforest walks and outbackexperiences, get ready for action. Whatever sets your pulseracing, you’re sure to find it on the coast – from surfinglessons and kayak tours at Byron Bay to dolphin cruisesand jet ski adventures in Nelson Bay on the North Coast.Inland, bushwalk the Heritage Listed national parks orwander treetops on an elevated platform. Climbers,conquer a mountain – you’ve got your choice of a few. Takea hot air balloon over mountains, waterfalls, or the HunterValley vineyards.Family FunYou’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fun familyholidays. The coastal towns of Yamba, Coffs Harbour, PortMacquarie, Port Stephens, Wollongong and Kiama tick allthe boxes for family fun, providing idyllic conditions for aseaside holiday. Visit giant landmarks, from Coffs Harbour’sBig Banana to the Big Avocado in the Tweed Valley, or seeTamworth’s giant Golden Guitar. Canberra offers more thanmuseums and history to kids. They’ll love Questacon, beamazed seeing the world in miniature at CockingtonGreen, and thrill at the chance to spot sports stars trainingat the Australian Institute of Sport. See them all with a3infun pass and score a return visit to one of theattractions for free.Relaxation and RejuvenationIf you’re holiday is all about relaxation, you’ll find theperfect setting amongst the rainforest of the North Coast,surrounded by serene landscapes in the Blue Mountains, orjust basking on your pick of pristine beaches. Or perhapsplay a round of golf to restore a sense of calm – the HunterValley, Blue Mountains and Coffs Harbour all deliveracclaimed courses.For the ultimate rejuvenation, spend time at a peacefulretreat in the Byron hinterland or Blue Mountains. Indulgein a treatment at the famed Golden Door Spa on the TweedCoast, one of the largest spas in the country and perfect forall-day pampering. Book a massage amongst the rainforestat Byron Bay and after a decadent day of food and wine,find a soothing spa extravagance in the Hunter Valley.Wining and DiningThere’s a multitude of fabulous food and wine experiencesto be had throughout New South Wales, here are just a fewof our favourites:– Harvest in the Byron Bay countryside makes the most oflocal produce– Dine by the water on the Central Coast where seafood isa highlight– Release your inner gourmet in the Hunter Valley withmore than 120 wineries and cellar doors and locallymade delicacies– Esca Bimbadgen in the Hunter has amazing vineyard views– Visit Solitary in the Blue Mountains for delicious food andfantastic views in a country setting– The Southern Highlands is a food lover’s paradise withvineyards, orchards and olive groves and roadside stalls– Don’t miss the famous sodas, milkshakes and spiders atBells Milk Bar in Broken HillMust See & DoExplore MOUNT WARNING NATIONAL PARK inthe Northern Rivers region, where the sun firstshines on the Australian continentWalk to CAPE BYRON LIGHTHOUSE, Australia’smost easterly point – page 17Discover the STOCKTON SAND DUNES near PortStephens on the North Coast with a quad bike safariEnjoy a scenic sunrise BALLOON FLIGHT over theHunter Valley vineyards – page 39Stroll the amazing HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS –page 35Bushwalk through one of the state’s manyNATIONAL PARKSView the legendary THREE SISTERS rockformation at Katoomba, Blue Mountains – page 40Follow the SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS FOOD ANDWINE TRAIL to cellar doors and farmers marketsVisit spectacular FITZROY FALLS in the SouthernHighlandsA must for cricket fans is the BRADMANMUSEUM OF CRICKET in Bowral – page 45See animals from all over the world at theWESTERN PLAINS ZOO in DubboJourney to the Outback and visit the WALLS OFCHINA, a 30 kilometre crescent of dunes and earthformation, in Mungo National Park – page 50See Australian politics first hand at PARLIAMENTHOUSE in Canberra – page 54Shop for local arts and crafts at WEEKENDMARKETS held throughout the state8
Travel TipsHow to Get ThereBY AIR Virgin Blue, Qantas and Jetstarservice Sydney, Canberra and the GoldCoast from most capital cities. Ballina andCoffs Harbour are serviced by either VirginBlue or QantasLink from Melbourne andSydney. Virgin Blue, QantasLink and Jetstarservice Newcastle from most capital cites.Regional Express (REX) and QantasLink arethe main regional airlines flying betweenSydney and the major regional centres.Norfolk Air services Norfolk Island fromSydney, Brisbane, Melbourne andNewcastle. Air New Zealand operates flightsfrom Auckland. QantasLink services LordHowe Island from Sydney most days andBrisbane on weekends.BY CAR Take the time to explore anddiscover as you make your way throughNew South Wales by road. Whether it’sgetting there or getting around werecommend Avis car hire. See page 61 fordetails or ask your travel agent about thegreat specials Avis has to offer. New SouthWales Holidays offers a selection ofsuggested driving itineraries, providing youwith the freedom to discover some of thehighlights of New South Wales at your ownpace. Refer to the Self Drive Packagesstarting on page 12 for more details.FLIGHT DURATIONFROM / TO SYDNEY GOLD COAST <strong>CANBERRA</strong> <strong>LORD</strong> <strong>HOWE</strong> <strong>NORFOLK</strong><strong>ISLAND</strong> <strong>ISLAND</strong>Brisbane 1 hr 30 mins - 1 hr 35 mins 1 hr 45 mins 2 hrs 5 minsSydney - 1 hr 20 mins 50 mins 1 hr 50 mins 2 hrs 30 minsNewcastle - 1 hr 5 mins - - 3 hrs 30 minsCoffs Harbour1 hr 5 mins - - - -Melbourne 1 hr 20 mins 2 hrs 1 hr - 3 hrs 15 minsAdelaide 1 hr 55 mins 1 hr 45 mins 2 hrs 5 mins - -Perth 4 hrs 5 mins - 3 hrs 55 mins - -Hobart 1 hr 45 mins - - - -Darwin 4 hrs 20 mins - - - -The above table shows flight durations for direct flights only. Connecting flights from other destinations arealso available. Times are a guide only and subject to change.DISTANCES BY ROAD (KM)SYDNEY557277ALBURY502 BATEMANS BAY200 464 331 BATHURST118 441 179 264 BOWRAL926 1433 1213 1023 1036 BRISBANE772 1321 1059 912 881 165 BYRON BAY286 343 148 251 169 1204 1050 <strong>CANBERRA</strong>533 1083 820 698 643 394 240 811 COFFS HARBOUR102 563 339 99 161 1005 852 329 613 KATOOMBA881 327 825 787 764 1691 1643 665 1405 886 MELBOURNE159 708 446 324 268 786 633 437 394 240 1031 NEWCASTLE162 711 449 310 271 819 665 440 426 242 1035 64 POKOLBIN384 933 671 549 493 555 405 662 162 463 1256 245 277 PORT MACQUARIE86 634 372 250 194 860 707 362 468 164 957 99 102 319 TERRIGAL825 1374 1112 964 934 103 65 1102 294 904 1698 686 718 455 765 TWEED HEADS458 147 380 320 341 1259 1222 242 982 417 471 609 612 833 534 1274 WAGGA WAGGA85 501 197 259 74 1034 881 229 642 160 824 241 245 470 168 911 401 WOLLONGONGDistances should be used as a guide only.ROBYNE’S HOT TIPSSample some of the bestregional cuisine at…Lolli Redini in Orange, Grazingat Gunderoo half an hour fromCanberra, ROCK Restaurant inthe Hunter and Pacific DiningRoom at Byron Bay.The best place to be in winter?In the Blue Mountains by acosy fireplace, visit during Julyfor Yulefest or visit theSouthern Highlands forstunning landscapes, beautifulwineries and a touch of frost.See the work of famousAustralian artists at… TheNorman Lindsay Gallery andMuseum in Faulconbridge nearthe Blue Mountains or The ProHart Gallery in Broken Hill.Weather GuideTEMPERATURE AVERAGECoffs HarbourHunter ValleySummer 19ºC to 27ºC Summer 16ºC to 32ºCWinter 7ºC to 19ºC Winter 2ºC to 16ºCBroken HillCanberraSummer 18ºC to 32ºC Summer 12ºC to 27ºCWinter 5ºC to 16ºC Winter 0ºC to 12ºCSchool Leavers CelebrationsEach year from mid November to mid December, school leavers headto Byron Bay and the North Coast for School Leavers Celebrations.During this period, bonds and conditions may apply to someproperties. Check with your travel agent at time of booking.Beach SafetyNew South Wales has some of the world’s best beaches, howevercare and caution should be exercised at all times. Pleaseremember to swim between the red and yellow flags and listen toinstructions from lifesavers and lifeguards.The perfect place to take thekids? Visit the Coffs Coast forthe Big Banana, ButterflyHouse, Zip Circus and a widerange of family friendlyactivities throughout the year.9